On December 31, we experienced every pet parents’ worst nightmare.  Our 4-month-old puppy, Siesha, spooked and terrified by the fireworks at Rockport Harbor, pulled the leash out of my hands and disappeared into the night.

We, my husband and I, along with an officer from Rockport P.D., our son in law, Wyatt, and our friend and neighbor, Joe, searched until late at night.  We finally went home, filled with sadness and defeat.  Siesha was still missing.

After a restless night, all of us were out early searching again.  Our neighbor and friend Rose, put Siesha on her Facebook page, Rockport P.D. also had her on its Facebook page.  Word spread quickly, our neighbor and friend, Lynda Clancy called and asked if she could put a story on PenbayPilot.com  Word spread faster.  

Our neighbors were out searching.  Our 5-year-old grandson (accompanied by our daughter) bravely walked into spooky woods calling her name.  People I didn’t know contacted me to ask where I thought they should search.  We couldn’t believe the outpouring of concern and support, so many people put aside their own lives to help us search for our puppy!!  It gave us such hope!  We met so many wonderful caring people!

As Saturday wore on with no luck, we were afraid we might have to go through another night worrying.  Then, at 3:17 p.m., my phone rang and an excited voice said, “Hi, this is Shaunna Brown, I have your puppy!" 

I couldn't believe it at first. I asked a couple questions, and then broke down in tears, Siesha was found!  We rushed to get her and hear Shaunna’s story.

Shaunna had been searching with her beautiful Golden, Bleu, when she had a feeling that Siesha was at the high school.  Luckily for all of us, she acted on her feeling and went over to the high school to look.  She doesn’t walk there normally, as it isn’t a dog walking place.

She started on the cross country trail near the school and when she got to the end near Ashwood Waldorf school she heard a whimpering coming from the woods and found Siesha with her leash wrapped around a tree. 

She was cold, wet, and very excited to see someone.  We were so relieved and happy to see she was ok after spending almost 24 hours outside.  After hugging and thanking Shaunna profusely we loaded our little girl in her crate and brought her home to a warm woodstove and lots of food. 

On our way home we saw a man climbing up a steep embankment to get out of the woods on Main Street, we stopped, and asked if he was looking for the puppy.  With a disappointed voice, he said yes.  When we told him we had her in the car, his face lit up with a big smile, he reached for his phone and said,  ‘I have to tell my wife and child, they are looking too!’

We feel so lucky to have our girl home and so incredibly grateful to EVERYONE who helped bring her home.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every prayer said, share of information, and every step you all took.  Not a minute of your time was wasted or not appreciated, thank you, thank you, thank you!

 Thanks and hugs to you all.

Joe and MaryLou French and family live in Rockport